New Federal Guidance Puts DEI Practices Under Legal Microscope

On March 19, 2025, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued new guidance aimed at clarifying when diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in the workplace may violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. While DEI remains an important business priority for many organizations, these federal agencies are warning that employment decisions influenced by race, sex, or other protected characteristics—no matter the intent—may be unlawful. The EEOC also published a more detailed Q&A-style guidance document outlining common scenarios and compliance pitfalls.Read more

July 1st compliance deadlines

Important Reminders of July 1st Compliance Deadlines

Minimum Wage Goes Up Again for California Municipalities

Here we go again. It’s that time in the summer when San Francisco, Los Angeles and about a dozen cities and counties compete for the title of Highest Minimum Wage in the state. This year, the award goes to the city of Emeryville, in the San Francisco Bay area, with a new minimum wage of $19.36. Meanwhile last year’s winner, West Hollywood, comes in second as it maintains its minimum wage of $19.08 through the end of the year.Read more

SB 525 might be delayed

Healthcare Employers Stay Tuned – SB 525 Might be Delayed

Healthcare employers in California have spent the past six months making plans to comply with the state’s new minimum wage requirements for healthcare workers. SB 525 which requires hospitals, clinics and many other healthcare facilities to increase employee minimum hourly wages to $21 – $23, depending on the size and type of facility, is scheduled to go into effect on June 1.  However, if the law’s author, state senator Maria Elana Durazo, is successful, healthcare employers could get a brief reprieve until July 1.Read more

Workplace Prevention Plan

Model Workplace Violence Prevention Plan is Here

It has arrived! The California Division of Occupational Safety & Health has published and released a Model Workplace Violence Prevention Plan and information for employers and employees regarding the new workplace safety and violence prevention rules mandated by the recently enacted SB 553. The new law requires almost all California employers to implement a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan by July 1, 2024. Employers who have fewer than 10 employees and are not accessible to the public are exempted from the requirement.Read more